In Luke 13, Jesus encounters a woman who had suffered for eighteen years and had been pushed to the margins by those around her. While religious leaders saw rules and traditions, Jesus saw someone in need of compassion and freedom. He healed her completely, revealing the heart of God’s Kingdom.
In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef contrasts the mercy of Christ with the hard-heartedness of religious legalism. The Pharisees were more concerned that Jesus healed on the Sabbath than they were amazed that a woman had been delivered from years of suffering. Jesus exposed the difference between God’s Law and man-made traditions—and demonstrated that His Kingdom brings true freedom.
Jesus then compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. It may appear insignificant from the outside, but it grows far beyond what anyone expects. What began with a small group of disciples would expand to include people from every nation, tribe, people, and language.
The Kingdom is also like yeast working through dough. Its influence may not always be obvious, but God is quietly and powerfully transforming lives, resurrecting spiritually dead hearts, and advancing His purposes throughout the world.
When evil appears overwhelming, do not mistake visibility for victory. The Kingdom of Christ is at work—and one day its full glory will be revealed.
Pray with me.
Father, may I bear witness to Your glorious Kingdom, the source of true compassion, love, and blessing. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today’s devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.
🙏 Pastoral Care & Prayer Teams
Our trained prayer partners and pastoral care team are available to pray with you and offer Biblical support.
https://ltw.org/care
💬 Receive personal answers to your faith questions—anytime, day or night—at:
https://myfaithassistant.com
If you’ve been blessed by this podcast, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help extend this ministry—so another person can be encouraged, prayed for, and pointed to Christ.
❤️ Support Leading The Way:
https://www.ltw.org/donate